Julie López Figueroa
Ethnic Studies, College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
Julie López Figueroa
Home town:
San Jose, Calif.
Area of expertise:
Higher education and academic success of first-generation college students, qualitative methods and teaching/learning in diverse contexts
Educational background:
I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and one in Chicano Studies from UC Davis, a master’s in education from UC Santa Cruz, and a Ph.D. in Social Cultural Studies in Education from UC Berkeley.
What’s on your ipod or other music player?
Stevie Wonder’s A Time to Love
Favorite book or last read:
Sentipensante (Sensing/Thinking) Pedagogy: Educating for Wholeness, Social Justice and Liberation by Laura Rendón and Mark Nepo.
Dr. Rendón is a leader in discussion on retention in higher education. This book critically discusses the unchallenged tenets that comprises higher education but tremendously hurt those populations that are the most marginalized in that context.
There is a strong line of inquiry and invitation to critically reflect on the notion of teaching and learning in higher education that is inclusive but extends beyond evaluating one’s pedagogy. More specifically, this book examines the notions of social justice and liberation to bring a greater depth to the learning experience that cannot be conceived through a practice and approach that is rooted in meritocracy. This book extends the challenge to elevate teaching and learning to a new standard that is more in line with what will sustain the overall well-being of our society.
Favorite city to visit, and why:
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is tremendously rich in terms of culture, food and history. This is a beautiful place that is both spectacular architecturally and offers an uncompromising warmth to visitors. We had family friends from Puerto Rico, so it was a personal journey to better appreciate the people in my life.
Who most influenced you to become a teacher?
My parents influenced me to become a teacher. My parents always emphasized making a positive difference through service in the community. The manner in which they valued education positioned me to think about teaching. The fact that I teach at the college level was a decision that came through exploring K-12th grades. Understanding what is a good fit between personal and professional interests led me to intentionally seek a college position.
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